Each offseason, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka takes his staff on a coaching retreat. The idea is for everyone to come together for an extended brainstorming session, which features plenty of film watching from across the NBA and other leagues.
In the 2025-26 offseason, there’s a particular point of emphasis, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “This offseason, improving the Rockets’ setup against zone defenses and creating space has been a strong focus,” Iko writes.
In his piece, Iko illustrates a few different possibilities for 2025-26 that weren’t available in 2024-25. The gist of it is that the length and floor spacing of offseason additions Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith gives Udoka tools that he didn’t previously have. Both shot well above 40% from 3-point range last season, and Durant can also carry the load as a playmaker.
Furthermore, the signing of veteran center Clint Capela provides the Rockets with elements of vertical spacing and gravity that they lacked in 2024-25. In contrast to incumbent centers Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun, Capela often operates as something of a “lob threat.”
Even with their halfcourt limitations on offense last season, the Rockets finished 52-30 and at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings. That was in large part due to Houston’s top-five-rated defense.
Now, the hope is for the additions of Durant, Finney-Smith, and Capela (along with a greater role for second-year guard Reed Sheppard) to lift the offense to similar heights.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: As Rockets’ roster improves, Ime Udoka focuses on attacking zone defenses, creating space
Reporting by Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
